tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef 

1

: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch

2

sometimes offensive : having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste see usage paragraph at deaf entry 1

tone deafness noun

Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unsurprisingly, the tone-deaf and regressive nature of Beijing’s policies and language not only has had little impact but is also worsening China’s gender relations. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

On its face, these posts may appear bizarre, tasteless and tone-deaf. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Political analysts say the comments from top Republicans risk coming across as tone-deaf to voters struggling with high prices. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Some critics attacked it as tone-deaf, given the war in Iran and the attendant, spiralling gas prices. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tone-deaf

• chef
• clef
• deaf
• ref

Kids Definition

tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef

: not noticing small differences in musical pitch

Medical Definition

tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef 

: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch

tone deafness noun